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School Nurse

Welcome to the Health Room!

North Coventry Elementary School Health Office

Elizabeth “Betsy” Phy, BSN, RN, CSN
📧 ephy@ojrsd.net
📞 Phone: 610-469-5182
📠 Fax: 610-327-2082

💙 Welcome Message

Welcome to the Health Office! My name is Betsy Phy, and it is truly my pleasure to care for your children here at North Coventry Elementary School. I am your resource for all things health and wellness. Nursing is my passion, and I absolutely love what I do.

I live in Ludwig’s Corner and have four children of my own in the Owen J. Roberts School District. Our family is very involved in the community through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, soccer, cheer, and dance. If you see us out and about, please feel free to say hello. I love meeting our school families!

📌 Important Health & School Information

  • All required vaccinations must be submitted at registration.

  • Medical physical and dental exams must be provided by October 1.

  • Kindergarten toileting expectations:

    • Students are expected to be fully toilet trained.

    • Pull-Ups are not permitted unless a medical note and toileting plan are provided by a physician.

    • Please work on bathroom independence (urination and bowel movements) over the summer.

    • Dressing skills (buttons, zippers, Velcro) and independently managing backpacks are also expected.

    • If your child is struggling, please reach out to your pediatrician and notify the school—we are here to support you.

  • Daily snack: Please send a healthy snack each day.
    🚫 No peanut or nut products are permitted in classrooms.

  • Celebrations:
    Please review the Celebration Guidelines in the handbook.
    ❗ No food or snacks may be sent in for birthdays or special occasions—items will be sent back home.

  • Illness guidelines:
    Keep students home if they have:

    • Fever of 99.5°F or higher (temporal)

    • Fever of 100°F or higher (oral)

    • Vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours: Students must be 24 hours symptom-free without medication before returning to school.

  • Chronic health conditions:
    Please contact the nurse to discuss any medical needs or care plans.

  • Attendance:
    Call the attendance line, 610-469-5688, by 8:30 a.m. and include the reason for absence (fever, flu, vomiting, asthma, etc.).

💊 Medications at School

  • All medications must include:

    • A physician’s written order

    • Parent/guardian permission

    • Forms are available from the nurse

  • Medications must be:

    • Brought to school by a parent/guardian

    • In original pharmacy packaging

  • Cough drops:

    • Considered medication

    • May be sent to school

    • Must be kept in the nurse’s office for assessment and dispensing

    • No physician order required

💉 Immunization Requirements

The following immunizations and full documentation (month/day/year) are required upon school entry:

  • 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (DTaP/Td) (1 dose must be on or after the 4th birthday)

  • 4 doses of polio (4th dose not required if 3rd dose was given at age 4 or older and 6 months after the previous dose)

  • 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

Important Immunization Policies:

  • On the first day of school, students must have at least one dose of required vaccines (unless exempt) or risk exclusion.

  • If additional doses are needed and medically appropriate:

    • The next dose must be given within the first five days of school or the student may be excluded.

    • A medical plan for completing the series must be submitted within five days if the series is not complete.

  • The medical plan must be followed to avoid exclusion.
    The school nurse will follow up as the plan progresses.

📘 Pennsylvania immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA Code, Chapter 23 (School Immunization).
📞 For more information, contact your healthcare provider or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.